Readers should expect emotional heft and fascinating historical detail from The Siren of Sussex, the first in the Belles of London Victorian romance series from Mimi Matthews (Fair as a Star).
Evelyn Maltravers of Sussex has "only two passions in life: horses and fashion," and plans to leverage both in the pursuit of a husband. The futures of her four younger sisters and her beloved horse, Hephaestus, depend upon her success in the London marriage market. She intends to use her riding skills to emulate the so-called Pretty Horsebreakers, a stylish and desired group of equestrienne-courtesans, to catch the eye of a wealthy suitor. First, she needs a truly standout riding habit. Enter Ahmad Malik, a British Indian tailor in need of the right patron to get his stunning, original designs noticed by the upper crust. The two strike up an alliance, but their sensible goals don't stop Ahmad from noticing Evelyn is "a singular beauty," nor Evelyn from realizing Ahmad has "the most sensual pair of lips in Christendom." However, if they act on their deepening connection, backlash from their prejudiced society could ruin them, their families, and their futures.
Remarkable for including an interracial couple and a tradesman as its hero, this sweet, intelligent novel offers a broader and more complex look at Victorian society than the average historical romance. Matthews explores cultural identity conflicts, exoticism and the difficult position of a merchant catering to the whims of a privileged class, all within a tender, empowering love story. --Jaclyn Fulwood, blogger at Infinite Reads